By Jack Russell
Millions of people (estimated to be 20 million and growing rapidly) suffer from arthritis in the United States alone. Arthritis is a degenerative disease can be debilitating, and depending on the severity, can bring on unbearable pain affecting ones quality of life. And yet, not everyone is clear about what arthritis is, how it is treated, and what changes it can wreak upon the life of a person suffering from it.
What do we know about arthritis and about living with it? Here are seven facts about this debilitating disease:
1. There are many forms of arthritis. People tend to think that the term arthritis refers to a single disease, but it is actually an umbrella term that refers to more than 100 conditions characterized by painful, swollen and inflamed joints. A common misconception is arthritis only affects those past their prime but the truth is any age can fall victim to one form or another of arthritis. Juvenile arthritis is one, which afflicts children and doctors now believe that osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, begins in our 30s, 20s, or even younger manifesting itself as a problem in our 40s and 50s.
2. Seeing a family physician will most likely result in a referral to a rheumatologist, a doctor that specializes in arthritis. Rheumatologists treat arthritis along with certain autoimmune diseases, musculoskeletal disorders and osteoporosis. Only rheumatologists can make an accurate diagnosis of the ailment and prescribe the right treatment for it.
3. It is important for the arthritis to be diagnosed and treated early. Arthritis takes many forms, and careful diagnosis is important as soon as symptoms appear. Some forms of arthritis can have devastating effects on future health. Early detection and treatment will help to relieve pain and prevent any future complications.
4. Arthritis affects individuals in different ways. Treatments vary from person to person, and therapies that work for one person with one type of arthritis, may not work for another person with another type. Left alone and untreated, arthritis can lead to permanent joint damage and disability.
5. Mild to moderate exercise can help in alleviating joint pain caused by arthritis. Exercise increases flexibility and endurance, helps reduce stiffness, and leads to stronger joints. Exercise will also promotes good general health by giving you more energy, controlling weight, and giving an increased sense of overall well being.
6. Arthritis can have a major impact upon the life of the patient. Joint pain varies, and those in the moderate to severe range, can experience emotional upheavals like depression, fear, anger, and irritability. Daily, routines such as cooking, cleaning and even attending to personal hygiene can be affected. Arthritis can be so debilitating, the inability to work can threaten ones livelihood.
7. There is no cure for arthritis discovered as yet, but there are many treatment options available to the patient. Diet, exercise, weight loss, massage, vitamins, herbal remedies, nutritional supplements are a few. Typical treatments involve the use of NSAIDs (Celebrex for example) to control immediate inflammation and pain, but because of the adverse side effects of NSAIDs, more and more people are turning to natural supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin.
New improved formulas designed specifically for arthritis have patients turning to glucosamine and chondroitin supplements such as Syn-flex Premium Liquid Glucosamine. This is because supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin work directly on the cartilage tissue damaged by arthritis. Glucosamine assists in repairing affected cartilage tissue while chondroitin helps lubricate joints. Glucosamine and chondroitin work together to repair the affected cartilage in osteoarthritis patients, while NSAIDs only work to reduce inflammation and block pain in the affected joints.
Recent studies done in the United States in 2006 have shown that supplements containing both glucosamine and chondroitin (the same found in Syn-flex) are more effective in controlling those with moderate to severe arthritis pain than Celebrex. Syn-flex has one of the most advanced formulas for treating osteoarthritis available in the market today.
Starting with pharmaceutical quality glucosamine, adding chondroitin sulfate along with several other nutrients effective in reducing inflammation and swelling, Syn-flex Premium Liquid Glucosamine is considered among the best of these supplements available. For more information about how glucosamine and chondroitin works in fighting arthritis, as well as how effective Syn-flex Liquid Glucosamine is in treating arthritis, please visit this website at http://www.syn-flex-usa.com .
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Living With Arthritis - Seven Points of Facts and Interest
Natural Gout Treatment - Which Vitamins Are Good For Gout?
By John Mepham
Only a few vitamins have been really researched as contributors to a natural gout remedy. One is vitamin C which a few studies have found lowers uric acid levels somewhat. I have written about vitamin C for gout in earlier articles. Make sure you buy a Vitamin C preparation that contains added flavonoids, the more the better, to make it work more effectively. And buy a time (sustained) release vitamin C product, because vitamin C is excreted quickly.
Other vitamins which have been reported from various sources to help in natural gout treatment are quercetin, folic acid, potassium citrate calcium, and fish oils.
Quercetin may inhibit xanthine oxidase, the enzyme required to convert purines into uric acid. This is the method used by the leading long term gout pharmaceutical, allopurinol. Quercetin has done this in test tube studies.
Folic acid has been found in at least one study to be helpful because it inhibited xanthine oxidase, but in others to have no effect. It was part of the late Dr. Atkins's (the Atkins diet) formula for curing gout naturally but in large amounts. It should certainly only be taken under supervision by a qualified and experienced practitioner.
Potassium citrate is reported to be helpful in natural gout treatment, and has been the subject of gout studies. It aids excretion of uric acid, by raising the pH of urine. (Higher body pH levels make uric acid more soluble and thus better excreted). Potassium citrate can also head off the danger of kidney stones, of the uric acid variety, forming. One estimate is that there is a 20% chance that kidney stones will form in gout patients who also have acidic urine.
Calcium may be helpful because it helps to alkalize the body, (i.e. it raises its pH levels making the body more alkaline) and thus, the theory is, more uric acid will be excreted. In pH theory, because the blood's pH must be maintained at pH 7.365, the body will scavenge calcium from bones to maintain blood pH at 7.365. Most people, it's said, and probably most gout sufferers too, have acidic bodies (which ought to be alkaline) and therefore a deficiency of calcium.
Vitamins work in other ways to help in natural gout treatment. Those that work as antioxidants perform the helpful function of squelching free radicals. Why is this helpful? Because during gout attacks, free radical levels rise. Some leading antioxidant vitamins are vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene and selenium.
Given that gout attacks are inflammatory, as shown by the painful inflammation of the affected joints, any substance which acts as an anti-inflammatory may make the attack less painful and inflamed. Fish oils have well researched anti-inflammatory properties.
Fish oils are also good for gout because they promote a healthier body. Their omega -3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) are a dietary deficiency for many people, especially those who don't eat fish. Omega -3 fatty acids are required to bring about a better balance of omega -3 and omega -6 oils in the body. Most people, it is thought, do get sufficient omega -6 fatty acids, especially if they fry with oils such as corn, soy, sunflower, safflower or sesame. Or, if they use these oils as salad oils. But people don't get enough of the omega -3's. This better balance promotes better health. Gout sufferers need to be as healthy as possible. Note: gout sufferers should not eat fish high in purines such as mackerel, anchovies, and sardines.
Ensure the fish oil supplement you buy has been manufactured with a molecular distillation process. It takes out mercury, PCBs and dioxins.
Since cherries have been researched as blocking inflammation, they should be considered. Cherries have also been found in studies to lower uric acid levels. When they are not in season cherry dietary supplement extracts, juice and in dried form can be taken. Cherries enjoy testimonials from gout sufferers both for curing gout naturally and halting the pain of attacks, but they won't do this for everyone. Celery, in two studies, also reduced pain and inflammation, so you can consider celery seed extract as part of natural gout treatment.
John Mepham has spent much time researching gout. His best tip for curing gout naturally? Get to your ideal weight whatever the sacrifices may be. Learn more about natural gout treatment and natural remedies for gout at http://www.gout-smashers-guide.com It's an e-book with an emphasis on natural gout treatment.
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Holistic Treatments for Arthritis
By Mishaun Taylor
Arthritis is one of the most difficult things that anyone can have to live with. It usually affects the joints in the fingers, wrists, knees and hips. It can cause mild to severe or debilitating pain, inflammation, discomfort and limited mobility. There are some people who suffer with arthritis which is so bad that they cannot get out of bed some days. Many individuals who have arthritis simply suffer through, especially if they don't want to risk prescription drugs which can cause dangerous and even deadly side effects. Luckily, there are some really great holistic treatments for arthritis which can help return those people to a normal life where they are in control, not the arthritis. Here are some of the holistic treatments for arthritis.
Yucca -
This root has long been used for joint health. It is anti-inflammatory and helps relive the swelling and discomfort that comes with arthritis. It can be taken orally, such as in a supplement or a poultice of the crushed root can be made and placed externally against the joints which are causing the inflammation and swelling. American Indians used Yucca for swelling, inflammation and pain associated with joint problems and arthritis.
Rice Bran-
Rice, which contains the brown kernel, is very helpful for arthritis. It contains anti-inflammatory properties, as well as having many other nutrients and vitamins which are essential to proper joint health. The anti-oxidants in rice bran fight off free radicals which can harm our bodies and contribute to arthritis and joint problems. This rice bran cannot simply be eaten because during the boiling process it goes through in order to cook, most, if not all of the essential nutrients are lost. However, stabilized rice bran may be taken as a supplement, such as in the arthritis treating supplement FlexProtex.
Acupuncture -
A traditional, oriental method of healing the body, acupuncture involves inserting several needles into 'power points' within the body. This has been known to be effective for several different conditions. The thought is that the body contains points which control the circulation of Qi and blood and that by using the needles, these can be manipulated to create a healthy circulation to affected points. It also produces endorphins, which are the body's natural way of relieving pain and increasing 'good' feelings. There have been many people who have benefited from acupuncture for arthritis.
Cox-2 Inhibitors -
Our bodies produce a natural substance called Cox-2. In certain instances and with certain ailments, this substance creates swelling and inflammation around affected areas. This is true with arthritis as well. Certain natural herbs contain cox-2 inhibitors which stop the body from making cox-2, or greatly reduce it. Some of these include Boswellin and N- Acetyl Glucosamine. These can help get rid of the swelling and inflammation which causes limited movement, discomfort and pain with arthritis.
Holistic treatments are being turned to more and more by individuals who do not wish to risk the dangerous and possibly deadly side effects of prescription drugs and surgery for their arthritis. It is a great thing for them to know that they do have choices. Using the methods above, you can successfully treat your arthritis with safe, holistic choices.
Do you have aching joint pain or suffer from nagging arthritis? Are you desperately seeking a holistic treatment that works? Consider Flex Protex, a natural supplement that helps relieve pain and discomfort fast. Get relief now, don't suffer any longer. Visit http://www.protexreviews.com
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Psoriatic Arthritis and Daily Exercise
By Kelly A Lee
Exercise is known to be a wonderful universal "fix all" proven to help improve stress related feelings, alleviate depression, and can provide an uplifting boosts to one's self-esteem.
"What is good for one is not necessarily good for another" is a rule that applies when looking at exercise. While exercise is universal for improving psychological health, it is not universal in its application. One must first determine what their body considers to be safe and appropriate exercise. To do this it means taking into account one's fitness level, goals, and overall health condition.
The thing to remember about exercise is that "less is more" and not to over do it. It is more beneficial to engage in a little exercise everyday than over doing it. You do not want to need recovery days.
As we grow older, exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining mobility, strength, and flexibility in our joints. Staying active with regular exercise keeps joints limber and reduces the onset of swelling, stiffness, and discomfort from under utilization. Exercise also helps our vital organs to operate at optimal efficiency. The end result is more energy, less stress, and an overall a better quality of life.
For those struggling with the painful symptoms of psoriatic arthritis the word exercise can prove to be stressful. This is exactly why exercise, is all the more important for individuals with psoriatic arthritis. Without proper movement, joints will gradually become stiffer and muscles can become weak.
Overtime joints that remain in the same position for long periods of time or are unused will actually lock and seize. In fact is also common for thee to be a fusion of joints and stiffness of the spine for those suffering with psoriatic arthritis making it very important to continue to maintain joint movement with proper daily exercise.
This exercise does not need to be extreme. Simple daily activities, such as light housework, walking the dog or parking farther away from the building are all excellent ways to increase joint movement. Some people with arthritis find it easier to move in water which makes swimming or walking laps in a pool great ways to exercise without adding additional stress to aching joints. Stationary bikes are another way to loosen stiff joints without added impact on ankles and feet. Even stretching exercises and yoga are also beneficial ways to maintain flexibility range of motion.
When setting your goals, it is important to be realistic. Start small by scheduling 2 days to exercise for 10 - 15 minutes your first week. As time passes, gradually increase the number of days and ultimately the amount of time you dedicate to each exercise session. Pick the time of day that you feel your best and exercise at this time. Try to meet up with a friend or neighbor to walk the dogs or do your daily exercise routine. Join a community-swimming group, or sign up for a low impact exercise class. Working with someone else will help you stay motivated.
A regular exercise routine is proven to impact the quality of life, especially for those faced with loss of mobility. Psoriatic arthritis may impact the quality of life and daily living of millions of individuals, but it's not alone. In the end, a daily dose of "the universal fix all" relieves stress, provides a sense of accomplishment, maintains range of motion, and boosts one's self-esteem.
For more information about psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis visit http://www.psoriasisreality.com
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What's The Most Effective Relief for Arthritis Pain?
By Casey Johnson
One of the worst aspects of arthritis isn’t the sharpness of the pain, but its having to deal with the fact that often times there is no relief for arthritis pain. It’s a constant hurt, a constant throbbing, something that can’t be relieved even temporarily. For many people suffering from arthritis, the constant pain is what really is aggravating. Even a brief respite from pain would be welcome, but often times it seems like to those suffering that there just is no relief for arthritis pain.
The prospect of there being no relief for arthritis pain is a major weight on the minds and general well being of many individuals who are afflicted with arthritis. The good news is that for some people there can be at least limited relief for this condition, depending on what type of arthritis pain you have. So while it may seem like there is absolutely no relief for arthritis pain, there might be things you can do in order to alleviate the suffering.
One of the main things to understand about arthritis is that there is more than one type. Arthritis is the leading cause of disabilities in people over the age of 55. Some of the most common types of arthritic affliction include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and they both need a different type of treatment to help alleviate the pain.
Osteoarthritis is the type of arthritis often related to aging or to an injury. Rheumatoid arthritis is similar, but caused for different reasons. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is a form of the disease that strikes children. There are many different forms of arthritis (over 100 and growing) and so there are different methods of treatment for each. Treatment for one type of arthritis may not help if the patient is afflicted with another, so if it seems like there is no relief for arthritis pain, it could be because of improper treatments.
Treatment options for arthritis pain vary depending on the type of arthritis and include physical and occupational therapy and medication. Some of the best ways that can work on treating arthritis pain includes topical pain killers like gels, creams, lotions, or patches that are applied directly to the arthritic places on the body.
There are also some natural foods and spices that can help the body deal with certain types of arthritis. Foods such as pineapple tend to have certain enzymes that can help prevent mild inflammation, and might, as a result, be able to give some relief. Other herbs that some natural remedy experts recommend include ginger, cayenne pepper, ginkgo biloba, and green tea.
These are all minor things that could help, but if it seems like there is no relief for arthritis pain, remember that each person’s arthritis is a different case, and so you need to approach each situation on a case by case basis. Doing so, and keeping a focus on solving the problem can help you keep the right mind set so you won’t have to worry about there being no relief for arthritis pain.
Casey Johnson is a pain management specialist with over 20 years experience in treating pain . He was the first person to introduce the revolutionary No More Pain device into the country to kill pain fast and effectively. Details can be found by visiting http://www.ATopHealthStore.com today.
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Treating and Managing Arthritis
Arthritis comes in many forms and types. Medical researchers have tallied more than one hundred ailments that fall under the umbrella term "arthritis." There are many conditions that lead to a person developing arthritis. Of these, two are most common: osteoarthritis, which arises from the wear and tear of joints; and rheumatoid arthritis, which results from the body's immune system attacking the cell lining of the joints.
Regardless of the wideness of the range of forms, types and causes surrounding arthritis, there is one fact that nonetheless remains true for all. This fact is simply that if arthritis, in all its types and forms, is left alone and untreated, then it can cause not just excruciating pain, but also disability. It can also lead to the development of other grave illnesses.
Treating and managing arthritis largely depends on the type the patient is suffering from. But all systems of treatment and management of the ailment have the same goals. These goals are:
1. To ease and abate the symptoms the patient is experiencing;
2. To arrest the possible aggravation of the disease;
3. To maintain function and mobility of affected joints; and
4. To prevent damages to affected tissues, or stop the damage from turning into a disability for the patient.
The first step towards treating arthritis always involves seeing a physician that specializes in this disease. Such a specialist is called a rheumatologist. Upon taking note of symptoms and the medical history of the patient, the rheumatologist may require laboratory tests to figure out what kind of arthritis is afflicting the patient, and what type of treatment is most appropriate. Such tests include examining blood and urine samples and joint fluids, as well as X-rays.
Once the rheumatologist completes his or her diagnosis, the treatment for the patient is then prescribed. Traditional treatments for arthritis include such medications as:
1. NSAIDs. NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are the most common medications prescribed for treating arthritis. These drugs work by relieving pain and reducing the inflammation of the joints.
2. Analgesics. Analgesics are painkillers. They provide relief from pain by either stopping the brain from recognizing pain signals as pain signals, or by stopping the pain signals from going to the brain.
3. Corticosteroids. Corticosteroids, or steroids for short, are extremely powerful drugs used to treat pain and prevent the body from producing the chemicals that lead to inflammation. Because steroids can stop the body from producing white blood cells, they are administered only in small doses.
On the other hand, many arthritis patients also seek alternative treatments for managing the ailment. These alternative treatments include acupuncture and acupressure, chiropractic therapy, therapeutic massage, tai chi and yoga. Taking supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are also popular methods of managing arthritis.
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are considered to be very effective in treating arthritis. Not only do they help in reducing pain, but they also help in renewing the synovial fluid cushioning the joints. Moreover, it has been shown in recent studies that glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate assists in repairing the damaged cartilage on the affected joints from osteoarthritis.
Supplements that contain glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in high quantities and qualities include a product called Syn-flex Liquid Glucosamine, or Syn-flex for short. In its liquid form and the bodies ability to absorb liquids faster and more completely, Syn-flex with its pharmaceutical quality glucosamine, has shown to deliver remarkable results to arthritis suffers, in a third of the time it takes the pill form. For more information on Syn-flex, please visit http://www.syn-flex-usa.com
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Secret Arthritis Pain Relief Treatments
While medical practitioners advocate traditional drug-based treatments for arthritis, the many natural ways to relieve arthritis pain is often overlooked. However, there are many people suffering from arthritis pain who are more than willing to try more natural approaches and have had good results in achieving arthritis pain relief. From acupuncture to herbal and holistic approaches, there are alternative and natural treatments available to arthritis sufferers.
One of the advantages of the natural approaches to arthritis pain relief is that they are available without prescriptions and are usually more cost effective than their drug-based counter parts. Furthermore, most approaches do not produce bad side effects for their users and do not have the possibility of addiction.
Some Natural Arthritis Pain Relief Approaches
There are several good natural approaches that you can apply.
Aromatherapy relieves arthritis pain through the use of essential oils which can be inhaled or massaged into the sore points on the body. Oils which can help relieve arthritis pain include: Lavender, Juniper, Thyme, Rosemary, Benzoe, Eucalyptus, Camomile, Pine Scotch, Camphor, Angelica Root, Ginger, Origanum, Black Pepper and Lemon.
The herbalist approach is to use herbs to act as anti-inflammatory agents and pain relievers. Herbs that may help relieve arthritis pain includes alfafa, black cohosh, boswellia and feverfew. They can be consumed as capsules, paste or in food. Many of these arthritis herbs have been used for centuries by various cultures.
Magnetic therapy involves wearing magnetic close to the body and many people report arthritis pain relief from this approach. Magnets can be found in the form of bracelets and necklaces, or even as bedding sheets and pillows which can help relieve pain during the night.
Emu oil is a little known approach which is gaining excellent reviews after several scientific studies that showed that it has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and is effective in relieving arthritis pain. It has been used by Australian Aborigines for hundreds of years as anti-inflammatory medicine.
Glucosamine is another approach which has some scientific backing behind it. It is a natural substance which is found in the body which helps build and repair cartilage. Glucosamine is a popular product which is used by many arthritis sufferers.
Gentle exercise includes yoga, tai chi and palates which improve the flexibility and range of motion in arthritis sufferers, ensuring healthy joints.
Other alternative approaches includes chiropractic and holistic. Somatic approaches, which emphasis proper body posture and muscle balance includes Feldenkrais and the Alexander Technique.
Caution Required When Using Alternative Therapies
The majority of ingredients in most natural arthritis pain relief treatments are safe with very few side effects. However, there is a possibility they interact with prescription medicines or cause an adverse reaction, leading to potential health risks. Therefore, it is important that you talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any natural treatment if you think there may some risk to your health. Therefore, as with any health treatment, it is important to thoroughly research an alternative approach before trying it and discussing any possible concerns that you have with your doctor.
Linda Powell is the webmaster of Secret Arthritis Cures, which provides free information on natural arthritis pain relief.
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